The best examples of DIY natural cleaning solutions: 3 easy examples you’ll actually use

Let’s skip theory and go straight to the good stuff: real examples of DIY natural cleaning solutions that can replace several store-bought products. These are the three I recommend to almost everyone who’s just getting started:

• A simple all-purpose spray for counters and most hard surfaces
• A streak-free glass and mirror cleaner
• A scrubby paste for sinks, tubs, and tough grime

We’ll walk through each example of a natural cleaner, then build out extra variations so you end up with 6–8 practical recipes you can rotate through.

Example #1: Everyday all-purpose spray (your new cleaning workhorse)

This is one of the best examples of DIY natural cleaning solutions because it’s cheap, fast, and replaces multiple products.

You’ll need:

• 1 cup distilled white vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 10–20 drops essential oil (optional: lemon, tea tree, lavender)
• A spray bottle (glass or sturdy plastic)

How to make it:
Pour the vinegar and water into the spray bottle, add essential oils if you like a light scent, shake, and you’re done. That’s it. You’ve just made one of the simplest examples of DIY natural cleaning solutions: 3 easy examples doesn’t have to mean complicated chemistry.

How to use it:
Spray on:

• Kitchen counters (not stone; more on that in a second)
• Stovetops (once they’re cool)
• Appliance exteriors
• Bathroom counters and sinks
• Doorknobs and light switches (spray on a cloth first)

Wipe with a clean cloth or paper towel.

Where NOT to use this vinegar spray
This is important. Vinegar is acidic. Over time, it can etch or dull:

• Natural stone (granite, marble, quartzite, limestone)
• Some hardwood floors with certain finishes
• Some unsealed grout

For stone, stick with a mild, pH-neutral cleaner (I’ll give you a DIY option below). The U.S. General Services Administration notes that acidic cleaners like vinegar can damage calcareous stones such as marble and limestone over time (GSA Preservation Briefs).

Why it works:
Vinegar contains acetic acid, which helps break down mineral deposits, light grease, and some bacteria. The CDC notes that vinegar is not a hospital-grade disinfectant, but it can still be useful for everyday surface cleaning where you’re mainly removing dirt and light germs, not sanitizing after raw meat (CDC cleaning guidance).

Variation: Gentle all-purpose cleaner for stone and delicate surfaces
If you have granite or marble, here’s a safer example of a DIY natural cleaning solution:

• 2 cups warm water
• 1 teaspoon mild liquid castile soap
• Optional: 5–10 drops essential oil

Mix in a spray bottle, shake gently, and use sparingly. Wipe with a damp cloth, then buff dry with a soft towel to avoid streaks.

Example #2: Streak-free glass and mirror cleaner

If you’re used to blue store-bought glass cleaner, this one might surprise you. It’s one of the best examples of DIY natural cleaning solutions because it works and dries fast.

You’ll need:

• 1 ½ cups water
• ½ cup distilled white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon rubbing alcohol (at least 70% isopropyl)
• Optional: 3–5 drops essential oil (like lemon or orange)

How to make it:
Combine everything in a spray bottle and shake. The small amount of alcohol helps the cleaner evaporate quickly and reduces streaks.

How to use it:
Spray lightly on:

• Mirrors
• Interior windows
• Glass shower doors
• Glass tables and picture frame glass

Wipe with a lint-free cloth, microfiber towel, or even newspaper if you’re old-school.

Why it works:
The vinegar helps cut through light film and water spots, while the alcohol speeds up drying and reduces streaks. This is a good example of a DIY natural cleaning solution that feels almost like a store-bought product in how it behaves.

Extra example: Glass cleaner for super-hard water spots
If you have stubborn mineral deposits on shower glass, try this variation:

• 1 cup warm vinegar
• 1 tablespoon dish soap or castile soap

Spray it on, let it sit for 5–10 minutes, then scrub with a non-scratch sponge and rinse well. Follow with your regular glass cleaner for a final polish.

Example #3: Baking soda scrub for sinks, tubs, and baked-on messes

This is the gritty friend in the trio: a scrubby paste that tackles soap scum, stained sinks, and gunked-up oven trays. Among the best examples of DIY natural cleaning solutions, this one gets the most “wow, that actually worked” reactions.

You’ll need:

• 1 cup baking soda
• 2–4 tablespoons water (enough to form a paste)
• Optional: 1 tablespoon liquid castile soap
• Optional: 10 drops tea tree or eucalyptus essential oil

How to make it:
In a small bowl or jar, mix the baking soda with water, a little at a time, until you get a spreadable paste. Add castile soap and essential oils if you’re using them.

How to use it:
Spread the paste on:

• Stainless steel or porcelain sinks
• Bathtubs and shower floors
• Inside of the oven (for light-to-moderate grime)
• Stovetop drip pans
• Tough spots on pots and pans (avoid nonstick coatings)

Let it sit for 5–15 minutes, then scrub with a sponge or brush and rinse thoroughly.

Why it works:
Baking soda is mildly abrasive, so it physically lifts grime without scratching most surfaces. It also helps neutralize odors, which is why it’s one of the classic examples of DIY natural cleaning solutions you’ll see in almost every low-tox cleaning routine.

Extra example: Soft scrub for tile and grout
If your grout is looking dingy, try:

• ½ cup baking soda
• ¼ cup hydrogen peroxide (3%)
• 1 teaspoon liquid castile soap

Mix into a paste, apply to grout lines, let sit 5–10 minutes, scrub with a small brush, then rinse. Hydrogen peroxide has mild bleaching and disinfecting properties; the CDC notes it’s used as a disinfectant at higher concentrations in healthcare settings (CDC disinfectants overview), but at 3% it’s appropriate for home use on many surfaces. Always spot-test first.

More real examples of DIY natural cleaning solutions for everyday messes

Once you’ve tried those 3 easy examples, it’s simple to expand your toolkit. Here are more real-world examples of DIY natural cleaning solutions that cover common problem areas.

Gentle floor cleaner for most sealed floors

For sealed hardwood, laminate, and tile (always check your flooring manufacturer’s guidance), this is a simple, low-residue cleaner:

• 1 gallon warm water
• 1–2 tablespoons liquid castile soap
• Optional: 5–10 drops essential oil (like peppermint or lemon)

Mix in a bucket, lightly dampen your mop (don’t soak wood floors), and mop as usual. No rinsing is usually needed. This is a good example of a DIY natural cleaning solution that avoids harsh detergents and strong artificial fragrances.

Deodorizing carpet refresher

If your rugs or carpets smell a little “lived in,” try this powder:

• 1 cup baking soda
• 10–20 drops essential oil (lavender, eucalyptus, or orange)

Stir well, sprinkle lightly over carpets or rugs, let sit 15–30 minutes, then vacuum thoroughly. This is one of the simplest examples of DIY natural cleaning solutions: 3 easy examples could easily include it, but consider it a bonus fourth.

Simple toilet cleaner

Toilets are where a lot of people hesitate to go natural. Here’s a basic routine:

• Sprinkle ¼–½ cup baking soda into the bowl
• Add ¼ cup vinegar
• Let it fizz for 10–15 minutes
• Scrub with a toilet brush and flush

For extra disinfecting when someone is sick, you may still want to use an EPA-registered disinfectant occasionally. The EPA maintains a list of registered disinfectants for various pathogens (EPA disinfectants list). Think of natural toilet cleaners as your everyday option, with stronger products as backups.

Microwave steam clean

One of my favorite low-effort examples of DIY natural cleaning solutions is the microwave steam method:

• Fill a microwave-safe bowl with 1 cup water and ¼ cup vinegar
• Optional: a few lemon slices
• Microwave on high for 3–5 minutes
• Let sit (door closed) for another 5 minutes

Carefully remove the bowl, then wipe the inside of the microwave. The steam loosens dried splatters, and the vinegar helps with odors.

Fridge cleaner and deodorizer

For a food-safe fridge cleaner, skip the vinegar smell and go with this:

• 2 cups warm water
• 1 tablespoon baking soda

Stir until dissolved, then wipe shelves and walls with a cloth dipped in the solution. Rinse the cloth with clean water and wipe again. You can also keep an open box of baking soda in the fridge to absorb odors; this is one of the oldest and best-known examples of DIY natural cleaning solutions.

Why people are switching to DIY natural cleaning in 2024–2025

There’s been a steady shift toward lower-tox, lower-waste cleaning over the past few years, and it’s not just a social media trend.

Fewer mystery ingredients

Many conventional cleaners use complex chemical blends and synthetic fragrances. Some people prefer simpler ingredient lists to reduce potential irritants, especially if they have asthma, allergies, or small kids at home. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) even has a Safer Choice program that helps consumers identify products with safer ingredients (EPA Safer Choice). DIY natural cleaning solutions follow the same logic: you know exactly what’s in the bottle because you put it there.

Less plastic and packaging

In 2024–2025, more households are paying attention to plastic waste. When you mix your own cleaners, you can reuse the same spray bottles and jars for years. Buying vinegar, baking soda, and castile soap in bulk reduces packaging, shipping weight, and overall environmental impact.

Budget-friendly and flexible

Vinegar, baking soda, and soap are inexpensive and multitask across the home. Instead of buying a specialized product for every surface, you can lean on a few core recipes. The best examples of DIY natural cleaning solutions save money and cabinet space.

Safety tips when using DIY natural cleaning solutions

Natural doesn’t automatically mean harmless. A few guidelines to keep your cleaning routine safe and effective:

• Never mix vinegar and bleach. This creates toxic chlorine gas. If you’ve used bleach on a surface, rinse very well before using anything with vinegar.
• Label your bottles. Write what’s inside and the date you made it. This is especially important if you have kids or pets.
• Spot-test first. Try any new cleaner on a small, hidden area—especially on wood, stone, or fabric.
• Use ventilation. Even natural cleaners can be irritating in high concentrations; open windows or run a fan while cleaning.
• Store ingredients safely. Keep vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and essential oils out of reach of children and pets.

If you or someone in your home has asthma or allergies, the American Lung Association recommends avoiding strong fragrances and aerosols (Lung.org cleaning tips). That’s another reason these simple, fragrance-optional examples of DIY natural cleaning solutions can be a good fit.

FAQ: Common questions about examples of DIY natural cleaning solutions

Are DIY natural cleaners really effective, or do I still need store-bought products?

For everyday messes—dust, light grease, fingerprints, soap scum—these examples of DIY natural cleaning solutions work very well. Where you may still want store-bought products is in disinfection, like after handling raw meat or during illness. In those cases, look for EPA-registered disinfectants and follow the label directions for contact time.

What is the best example of a DIY natural cleaning solution for kitchens?

For most kitchens, a mild castile soap and water spray is the best example of a DIY natural cleaning solution because it’s safe on more surfaces than vinegar, especially stone. Use vinegar-based sprays on non-stone areas like appliance fronts, sinks, and backsplashes, and keep a stronger disinfectant on hand for cutting boards and raw meat prep areas.

Can I use these DIY natural cleaning solutions around kids and pets?

Generally, yes—especially compared with harsher chemicals—but you still need to be careful. Don’t let kids or pets lick freshly cleaned surfaces, keep ingredients out of reach, and avoid heavy use of strong essential oils around babies, cats, and small dogs. If you’re concerned, stick to unscented versions of these examples of DIY natural cleaning solutions and ventilate the area.

How long do homemade cleaners last?

Vinegar-and-water or baking-soda-based cleaners are usually fine for a few weeks when stored in a cool, dark place. If you add fresh ingredients like lemon juice, use the mixture within a week and store it in the fridge. If anything changes color, smell, or texture in a weird way, toss it and make a fresh batch. That’s another reason to mix small amounts of these DIY natural cleaning solutions at a time.

What are some quick examples of DIY natural cleaning solutions I can make with just two ingredients?

A few fast ones:

• Vinegar + water: basic glass and surface cleaner
• Baking soda + water: simple scrub paste
• Baking soda + vinegar: toilet cleaner or drain freshener
• Water + castile soap: gentle all-purpose spray or floor cleaner

These are some of the best examples of DIY natural cleaning solutions: 3 easy examples from earlier in this guide can be built from these simple combinations.

If you only try one thing from this article, start with the all-purpose vinegar or castile soap spray. Once you see how well it handles your everyday messes, it’s surprisingly satisfying to keep building your own little lineup of DIY natural cleaning solutions—one jar, one spray bottle at a time.